Beauty Universe

The MTV Video Music Awards has long been music’s wildest night, a red carpet where artists are encouraged to push the boundaries of style, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. From theatrical hair sculptures to breathtakingly polished makeup, the 2025 VMAs delivered an array of stunning beauty looks that will be talked about for years to come. Celebrities showcased everything from high-volume retro glam to intricate updos and perfectly sculpted skin, proving that artistry in hair and makeup is just as much a part of a performance as the music itself. These standout looks not only set trends but also told a story, capturing the unique personality and creative vision of each artist.

When Tom Ford’s Black Orchid first launched in 2006, it was an instant icon—a bold, spicy, and unapologetically dark fragrance that challenged traditional notions of scent. While its intensity cemented its legendary status, for some, its power was simply too much to wear. Recognizing this, Tom Ford has introduced Black Orchid Reserve, a new interpretation that maintains the core DNA of the original while offering a smoother, more refined experience. This new edition is not a replacement but an evolution, deepening the floral chypre dimension while introducing a new ghost orchid accord and amplifying the opulent base notes. The result is a scent that is both intimately familiar and refreshingly new, proving that even an icon can be perfected for a new generation of admirers.

From her early days as a 14-year-old shampoo girl to becoming one of the most sought-after master aestheticians in the country, Sarah Akram’s career has been an extraordinary journey. With over 50,000 customized treatments under her belt, she now counts celebrities like Rachel Zegler and Sheryl Lee Ralph among her clients and serves as a skincare expert and ambassador for Dior Beauty. Despite her packed schedule and life as a mother of two, Akram has cultivated a powerful self-care philosophy. For her, the key to a healthy glow is an “inside job,” where lavish creams and professional treatments are merely the “icing on the top” of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Taraji P. Henson is a true force of nature, recognized globally for her award-winning acting and fierce advocacy for mental health. But behind the scenes, the star of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a savvy entrepreneur and brand builder. She’s the founder of her namesake hair and body-care line, TPH by Taraji, and a new vintner with her wine brand, Seven Daughters Moscato. For Taraji, all of her ventures are rooted in a deep sense of authenticity, a belief that consumers can always tell when a brand is a “money grab.” Her holistic approach to life is an inspiring blend of creative hustle, spiritual grounding, and a firm commitment to putting herself first. Here, she shares the essentials that keep her feeling centered, from a beloved hand soap to her secret to a beautiful soul.

Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City’s GlamDerm, wears many hats in her busy life. In addition to her full-time practice, she serves as a dermatologist adviser for Bluemercury, is the co-host of the popular BeautyCurious podcast, and balances it all as a wife and new mother. This demanding schedule has made her an expert in not only treating skin but also in the art of taking care of herself. For Dr. Love, self-care is a practical, well-researched, and intentional practice that is crucial for balancing her professional ambitions with her personal well-being. Here, she shares her go-to essentials, from a hydrating body lotion to a powerful red lip, and offers her most surprising piece of advice for finding peace in the chaos of life.

Supermodel Georgia May Jagger has spent over 16 years in the spotlight, but these days, she’s taking a more intentional approach to her well-being. As the daughter of rock-and-roll icon Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall, she is no stranger to fame, yet she finds herself more drawn to authenticity, believing that “real routines” and “real skin” are the future of beauty. This commitment to honesty is also the foundation of her new skincare brand, May Botanicals. Recently pregnant with her first child, Jagger’s self-care philosophy has become even more focused on nourishment and grace. Here, she shares her most beloved essentials, from hydrating skincare to a minimalist makeup routine, and reveals how her life has shifted to prioritize what truly matters.

To the outside world, Nai’vasha Grace’s career as a go-to hairstylist for some of the biggest names in Hollywood—from Alicia Keys and Lupita Nyong’o to Tracee Ellis Ross and Zoey Deutch—may seem like a fairytale. But her journey from a Memphis-based stylist to a New York City mainstay and brand founder was a long and arduous one. She found a new passion for her work after a career change and, in a bold move, ultimately decided to “build her own table” by launching her hair-care line, Curl Queen. Here, she shares the self-care staples that keep her grounded and glowing, proving that true self-care is a blend of nourishing your body, mind, and spirit.

Rachel Gillig, the celebrated author behind the number one New York Times best-selling Shepherd King duology—and the highly anticipated new novel The Knight and the Moth—has mastered the art of crafting emotionally devastating and breathtakingly beautiful prose. Her books, which are celebrated on BookTok and beyond, are known for their immersive Gothic fantasy worlds and rich characterization. But behind the scenes, Gillig faces the same pressures and challenges as anyone else, from the stress of a tight deadline to the struggle with performance anxiety. In an exclusive conversation, she shares the self-care secrets that help her navigate the demands of her career, from her favorite high-quality beauty products to the simple, yet profound, habits that help her stay grounded and healthy.

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with a stubborn breakout in New York City, chances are you’ve heard of Sofie Pavitt. The celebrity aesthetician has earned a reputation as the “acne whisperer,” with a downtown studio that serves as a sanctuary for those in need of solutions for problematic skin. Her unique journey to the world of beauty was a long one, marked by a 15-year career in fashion and a love for Korean skincare sparked during her time as a designer. Her personal journey, which began with a desire to help others and culminated in the launch of her own brand, has shaped a self-care philosophy that is as effective and straightforward as her approach to a clear complexion.

Sabrina Elba, cofounder of the skincare brand S’Able Labs and a UN Goodwill ambassador, has always been acutely aware of the frustrations that come with finding beauty products that truly cater to her needs. As a woman of color, she often felt that many skincare lines were not only ineffective for her sensitive, melanated skin but also failed to speak to her directly. This deep-seated frustration, coupled with the encouragement of her husband, actor Idris Elba, sparked a mission to create the change she wanted to see. The result was S’Able Labs, a joint venture that launched in 2022 with a clear mission: to develop skincare inspired by ancestral African traditions, formulated with the needs of melanated skin first, thereby creating products that can be a benefit to everyone.